Carmelo Anthony (r.) says for now Kristaps Porzingis is either 'KP' or just simply 'rook.' (Kent Smith/NBAE/Getty Images)

THUNDER TALE DUNKED

The story of Oklahoma City nearly making Porzingis the steal of the 2014 NBA draft is untrue, according to the player's agent.

Andy Miller denied an ESPN report that the Thunder made a promise to the then 18-year-old Porzingis to select him with either one of their two first-round picks, Nos. 21 and 29.

"I have no idea where that comes from. I'm unaware of any promise from OKC at 21," Miller told the Daily News. "While there were teams that had proactive dialogue with me regarding draft position I don't recall having dialogue with OKC regarding Kristaps.

"Regardless it is and was moot. That area in the draft was never a realistic range, clearly."

The Thunder's two first-round picks in 2014 were Mitch McGary and Josh Huestis. Porzingis went at No. 4 to the Knicks this past June.

"He's really different," new Thunder coach Billy Donovan told The Oklahoman. "The one thing I give him credit for as a young guy in this being his first year, he comes across with a great level of confidence and belief in himself. He obviously stretches the floor, he shoots it from behind the 3, he can put it on the floor. He's really a unique player and I think he's going to be an unbelievable player in this league."

Derek Fisher seems to be taking the most level-headed approach regarding all the Porzingis hype.

"The jury is always out on guys in the draft," the coach said. "There is no science that says what pick you are means you're going to be great or not great. ... We still really don't know. It's 12 games into his career. There's still a lot to figure out about him. It's clear that he is capable. It's just how can he sustain it."